The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has said that the Allan Labor Government’s proposed National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025 disrespects regional landholders across the state including across the region.
Under the proposed legislation currently before the Victorian Parliament, government officials and transmission companies would be allowed to access private farmland without the landholder’s consent and those that stand their ground could be fined up to $12,210 for refusing access, over $4,000 for refusing to provide identification, and $1,221 for removing a notice from their own property.
“Labor’s transmission takeover completely disrespects regional landholders and seeks to punish those who are just trying to protect their property, their family, and their own future.
“Once again Labor continues to avoid community consultation and their concerns by pushing ahead with ideological agenda against regional Victorians.
“Whilst many in our community and across the state support the need to transition to cleaner energy, it must be done in a fair, transparent and genuine partnership with communities who are expected to host such infrastructure,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
The Nationals and Liberals are fighting for a better approach than what the Allan Labor Government is currently pushing ahead with, this includes:
- Reinstating landholders’ appeal rights through VCAT
- Introducing a 2km buffer zone between homes and wind turbines
- Establishing a community benefits fund to ensure lasting local investment, and
- Unlocking low-emissions gas reserves to help bring down power prices for households and businesses.
Ms O’Keeffe said that energy reform is important, but respect for Victorians must always come first for those that grow our food and care for our land.
“In what has been one of the toughest seasons in recent years, the government does not have the backs of regional Victorians and instead seeks to threaten them with fines and taking away their rights.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our energy transition and Victorians are paying the price.”
